AIR hosted the Pathways to College Online Library, a database of studies, articles, tools, and other resources where researchers, practitioners, and policymakers could access resources on preparing students for success in college and beyond. The Library contained more than 3,500 entries from a variety of sources, including peer-reviewed journals, professional associations, research centers, policy organizations, universities, the U.S. Department of Education and other federal agencies, state and local agencies, and others.

The library originated with the Pathways to College Network (PCN), an alliance of national organizations established in 2000 to improve the college preparation, access, and success of students from populations that have historically been underrepresented in higher education.

The Pathways partners emphasized using data and research to inform decisions about effective strategies for making such improvements, so the PCN website became a repository for research studies about all aspects of college access and success. In 2004, Pathways partnered with Encouragement Services, Inc. (ESI) and the Indiana Pathways to College Network to incorporate these materials into an online database.

Located first at The Education Resources Institute (TERI) and then the Institute for Higher Education Policy, the Pathways to College Online Library moved to AIR in early 2013.